ASA Journal 16/2023

BODINCHAPA ARCHITECTS
147
strive to put such technologies to use.
In this situation, Bodin frequently supervises
site work using new technologies
or software, and there may even be some
tools that we try to master alongside
local builders or craftsmen to make the
process run more smoothly.
Furthermore, we want the work to be basic
and to incorporate as many local elements
as possible in the design to provide
visual value and perspective for those
who use the space in multiple dimensions.
We wish to continuously create ideas,
and we will endeavor to ask questions of
clients and users in each task. That would
allow us to operate more efficiently and
learn how to use the building with our
clients.
Bodin Mueanglue : And we want each
project's direction to include some form of
storytelling using the resources available
in conjunction with technology.
Phitchapa Lothong : But also with a
humanistic attitude, which is distinctive
but also has a concealed simplicity. And,
because we have to work with a variety
of sites in the central and northern areas,
we frequently come across a wide range
of working approaches. We'll see who
we'll be working with on that project, and
only then can we plan from the start.
For example, if we know we will have to
work with a local builder and not a proper
contractor for some reason, such as
budget or a lack of a proper contractor in
that area, we will use a specific approach
and communication methods to communicate
effectively with the people we work
with so that there are fewer problems
or issues on site. Even if it is something
they have never done before, we will persuade
them to work with us and appreciate
the challenges. That would be
extremely beneficial to us.
Is there a project that you think
is very impressive?
Phitchapa Lothong : There are quite
a few, but in a different form, I believe.
If I had to pick one project that particularly
impressed me, it would be our first
project together, Pa Sang, a coffee shop
in Chiang Rai. Throughout the structure,
we used wooden shutters. We were
given this project by Bodin's cousins,
who wanted to create a large coffee
shop. The initial brief was actually quite
basic. However, we want to interpret it in
a more exceptional way while retaining
the building's original attractiveness and
not separating it from its setting. But how
do we provide variety to service users?
Everyone, from children to the elderly,
may feel at ease. As a result, the design
we created contained a lot of vernacular
design vocabulary, but if you look at it in
context, you will notice a language that
is contemporary and modern. We also
experimented with design and space
management, managing a tiny area to
stretch the height. As a result, the interior
area is more visually appealing. We believe
that our work has a positive impact
on both users and us. This is an outstanding
project, in my opinion.
Bodin Mueanglue : It’s Naya Café,
for me. This project allows us to collaborate
with a team of local builders.
We encountered a significant amount
of change while working with buildings,
despite the fact that this architecture
is made of common bricks.
Phitchapa Lothong : I agree. As Bodin
said, the atmosphere at work is really
positive. We are in charge of the construction
site. We had to talk to the artisans
as well as a variety of other people.
We ran into a few issues, but they seemed
to fit with our ideas. We chose regular
brick, a cheap and ordinary material, for
the building, and, interestingly, we were
able to make it look extraordinary.
Bodin Mueanglue : We began working
with the owner on this project, from
selecting the location and site to discussing
the shop's business plan and
objectives.
Phitchapa Lothong : It's as if we went
in to assist them in terms of business, to
investigate the possibilities of locating
the building in a location that will have
a greater impact on the surrounding
neighborhood and attract more customers
to the project. We began by discussing
what may be regarded as below
zero, and then gradually discussed if
doing this and that was a good idea,
or whether there was something better.
Initially, the client merely desired a tiny
structure capable of serving simple
meals. We then approached him and
asked him questions. Because the area
is fairly remote from tourist attractions
and only a specific group of visitors
passes through, we reasoned that if
we design and build properly, we will
attract tourists, which will affect the
business in the long term.
What are your long-term goals
for “BodinChapa Architects”?
Phitchapa Lothong : We anticipate
an extension of expertise in terms of
design work, work methods, including
the construction process, and being
able to balance enjoyment and passion
for architectural design as well as in
business.
Bodin Mueanglue : In the future, we
aim to do work that is enjoyable or has
fascinating characteristics that spark
an interesting conversation with the surrounding
community. Some of our work
frequently creates concerns about the
community or neighborhoods. So We
anticipate more enjoyable initiatives in
which we may collaborate with builders
and craftspeople to improve technology.
Phitchapa Lothong : In addition, for
future design work beyond the needs of
our clients, we would like to offer something
more useful to our work while still
meeting the needs of our customers.
We'd also like to have something more
varied and entertaining. This includes
having to live with technology while
keeping it in balance with human issues.
This is in response to the necessity to
make progress in order to improve our
work efficiency, which we are constantly
willing to learn in new ways.
bodinchapa.com